Protector for safety rails

Abstract

A safety protector for application on vertical posts ( 6 ) tied-down to the ground and that constitute corrugated sheet supports with safety rail barrier functions, establishing a separation between its lower edge and the ground, through which a person involved in an accident due to sliding over the asphalt may impact on the corresponding section of the vertical support post ( 6 ). The safety support is constituted by an extruded profile ( 1 ) that is assembled to be adapted as a cover on post ( 6 ), the latter having internal partitions ( 1 ) and re-thickened zones, as well as an internal sinuous profile to be adapted on corresponding post ( 6 ), externally providing impact areas for persons involved in accidents that reduces the violence and diminishes the impact force, efficiently damping the latter.

1. A protector for the vertical support posts of a safety rail barrier for vehicles, the safety rail barrier comprising a stamped sheet rail supported on a plurality of metallic channel-shaped support posts fixed into the ground, the posts optionally having a double-“T”- or “U”-shaped cross-section wherein the safety rail is supported above the ground with a separation between the lower edge of the rail and the ground exposing a portion of the vertical post to possible ground-sliding contact by an accident victim wherein the protector comprises an integral body having an extruded outer profile configured to surround a respective support post except for a vertically open section wherein the integral body has a generally U-shaped internal configuration permitting the integral body to conform with and attach to the support post wherein the support post can be received through the open section and into the internal U-shaped configuration permitting assembly and placement of the protector around the support post and wherein the integral body has multiple internal partitions defining cells, the cells providing a compressible internal structure capable of absorbing shock in the event of impact by an accident victim. 
   
   
     2. A protector according to  claim 1  wherein the integral body has a smooth outer surface, optionally formed of continuous sheet material, and, referring to a horizontal section of the integral body, the integral body has two opposed thicker parts on either side of a less thick intermediate part and wherein the protector is locatable on the respective support post so that the external surfaces of the thicker parts are disposed in external zones having a relatively high probabilities of impact and the external surface of the intermediate part is disposed in an external zone with a relatively lower probability of impact. 
   
   
     3. A protector according to  claim 2  wherein the protector is locatable on the respective support post with the open section of the extruded profile located in an external zone of improbable impact. 
   
   
     4. A protector according to  claim 1  wherein the outer profile of the integral body lies on a circle and the integral body is the product of an extrusion process. 
   
   
     5. A protector according to  claim 1  wherein the internal configuration of the integral body is shaped to fit a double-“T”-shaped support post, has a pair of opposed convex curves providing a narrowing of the open section between the bars of the “T” shapes and has detents adjacent the outer profile to engage the ends of the bar of one of the support post “T” shapes and hold the integral body attached to the support post. 
   
   
     6. A protector according to  claim 2  wherein the protector is locatable on the respective support post with the open section of the extruded profile located it an external zone of improbable impact, wherein the outer profile of the integral body lies on a circle and the integral body is the product of an extrusion process and wherein the sinuous internal configuration of the integral body is shaped to fit a double-“T”-shaped support post with convex curves providing a narrowing of the open section between the bars of the “T” shapes and with outer peripheral portions providing latches to hold the integral body attached to the support post. 
   
   
     7. A protector according to  claim 1  in combination with the vertical support post for the safety rail barrier, the protector being mounted on and protecting the support post and having a vertically open section in the mounted position. 
   
   
     8. A protector according to  claim 1  wherein the integral body has an sinuous-shaped, extruded internal profile. 
   
   
     9. A protector according to  claim 1  wherein the integral body is a one-piece body. 
   
   
     10. A protector according to  claim 1  wherein the integral body is removably attachable to the support post without requiring an additional fastening device. 
   
   
     11. A protector according to  claim 1  wherein the integral body has an sinuous-shaped, extruded internal profile, is a one-piece body and is removably attachable to the support post without requiring an additional fastening device. 
   
   
     12. A protector according to  claim 5  wherein the integral body has an sinuous-shaped, extruded internal profile, is a one-piece body and is removably attachable to the support post without requiring an additional fastening device. 
   
   
     13. A safety rail barrier supported by a plurality of cushioned support posts, fixed into the ground, the posts alternatively having a double T- or U-shaped cross-section, wherein the safety rail is supported above the ground creating a spacing above the ground, thus exposing the cushioned supports posts to possible impact by vehicle accident victims; the cushioned support posts each comprising:
 A protector for encircling the support post within said above ground spacing; the protector having an integral body portion including a plurality of internal, cell defining partitions, the cells providing a compressible internal structure capable attenuating damage to an accident victim, having an extruded outer profile, and generally U-shaped internal profile that permits the support post to be received through a vertically open section of said integral body portion, wherein the internal profile conforms with and attaches to said support post, thus permitting assembly and placement of the protector around said support post.